BIG RIVER, Calif – On Tuesday, June 28, at 6:37 p.m., the victim contacted the Colorado River Sheriff's Station - Parker Dam Resident Post and reported a burglary in progress at his home in the 150000 block of Rio Vista Drive. The suspect, later identified as Stephen Daniel Welsh (age 37 of Big River), was observed in the victim's house and then left the scene in a green Honda.

A deputy was dispatched to the call and located the suspects’ vehicle on Del Rey Drive near Rio Vista Drive. The deputy conducted a traffic stop on the Welsh's vehicle and when he made contact with Welsh, he located property belonging to the victim in the vehicle. Welsh was arrested and booked into the Needles Jail for burglary and a probation violation.

During the investigation, it was discovered that Welsh was currently on PRCS release for possession of drugs while armed with a firearm conviction out of San Bernardino County, as a result of California Assembly Bill 109.

As part of Governor Jerry Brown's Realignment Plan, or Assembly Bill 109, to comply with a U.S. Supreme Court Decision requiring the state to lower its prison population; offenders with non-violent, non-sexual and non-serious convictions will serve reduced sentences in county jails and be placed on local supervision through county Probation.

Persons charged with a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.